WDVC NEWS

Fans of the 2016 World Deaf Volleyball Championships were treated to a thrilling gold medal game between the men’s team of Ukraine and Turkey. This match went the distance and easily could go down as one of the most exciting gold matches in the history of the tournament. With Turkey finally pulling out a heart-stopping win in five sets, this game easily had a storybook feel to it with the underdogs winning it all.

Unfortunately, in what was a game that left everyone in the house in awe, the ending was marred with controversy. Right after the gold medal match, protests were lodged against Turkey for possibly using an ineligible player. Sources of Ukraine and Russia who wish to remain anonymous have indicated that Turkey used a player that was not considered Deaf within the guidelines set by the International Commission on Sports for the Deaf (ICSD).

With formal protests lodged against Turkey, medals for the men’s team were not handed out at the closing ceremony. If Turkey is found to have used an ineligible player, they will be stripped of the 2016 World Deaf Volleyball Championship gold medal win. ICSD World Sports Vice President Kang Chen indicated in the video below at the closing ceremony that there were unresolved issues regarding the men’s games but did not elaborate further. An investigation is pending and an announcement will be made by ICSD on whether Turkey will keep the gold or not.